Why can't I plug into this outlet?

I've had similar problems with new construction. Make absolutely sure there's noting in the the outlet.

Some tamper resistant outlets require you to turn a disk on the faceplate 90 deg to the right (keeps foreign objects and kids from poking things into the outlet). But I'd think you would have seen this upon inspection. Other types require a three prong plug (which you have) in order to get power form the outlet. The round grounding plug must be longer than the two spade lugs. These have a built-in shutter mechanism that prevents anything but a 3-prong plug from being inserted. Can you see the letters TR on the outlet face - indicating a tamper resistant outlet.

New outlets can be very stiff. I've had to wiggle the plug up and down to get it into the socket. Don't wiggle too much or you might break the socket itself.

That's all I can offer without looking at the outlet itself.

Floor Plug Covers

There is a trick for such TR socket if it is really tough to plug in, no matter how you wiggle the plug or change the angle.

What I did was, use a single flat screw driver to try one slot at a time. Due to poor quality, the mini shutter protecting the slot may not slide smoothly, so push the screw driver to force it to move. Do it many times to make it less sticky. Do the same for the other slot. Then try to push in the electric plug, you will find it much easier to get in as the shutters are smooth now.

Note that by design, the screw driver wont push all the way in as it will be blocked by the shutter controlled by the other slot. Still, for your safety, make sure not to touch the metal parts of the screw driver, and stand in a wood floor or plastic pad.

I unplugged my microwave inside the cupboard above the unit but couldn't get the plug back in. I was standing on a chair leaning against it with my full weight. But when I got my wife to push against my back and shoved hard it finally worked..It just required a bit more force. Obviously this is not ALWAYS the answer but sometimes you just need to push harder.. .

Any type of lantern or flashlight really... Only other thing is a GIGANTIC solar panel but really, just bring some head lamps, a couple lanterns and some flashlights if you are car camping, you won't need to carry it very far. Propane lanterns are always nice and bright and electric flashlights are very reliable, especially LED ones, they are typically very bright.

Pull the plastic clips out,they are to keep dirt out of the outlet.

Since it is a floor outlet, it might have a sliding plastic cover for the outlet holes. I see these on extension cords sometimes. See if there is a little tab used to slide to cover to the side.

Some surge protectors have offally large plug in legs and the one side may be too wide.

dad from the previous owners got sick of junior sticking his paper clips in the funny hole in the floor ......and shoved plastic in there ..............remove the plug ( after you shut off the power ) and replace it with a new one ( home depot ) about 3 bucks

change the outlet, or move your office,